Cash for walking to school

Herefordshire Council is promoting a new scheme to encourage children to walk to school, following an announcement by the Transport Secretary, Douglas Alexander this week.

Herefordshire primary schools could benefit from a share of £15 million by applying for grants of up to £1,000 a year for three years to operate a “walking bus”, or £500 for other walking initiatives. 

The funding is dependent on schools demonstrating that the initiative is having a positive impact by reducing car use on the school run each year.

Walking buses vary to suit the needs of the children and their parents, but the principle involves having an adult “driver” at the front and an adult “conductor” at the back.   The children walk to school safely in a group along a set route picking up additional “passengers” at specific “bus-stops” along the way.

Funding can pay for walking bus scheme co-ordinators, escorts for walking buses, high visibility clothing for children walking to school or other incentives for children and promotional activities.

“Walking to school helps to cut school-run traffic, reduces pollution and helps children get more exercise,” said Linda Sinker, school travel adviser.

 “In addition, teachers have said that children who walk to school tend to concentrate better,” she continued.

“We’ve written to all the county’s primary schools and are hoping this new fund will encourage them to set up walking buses or similar schemes.”

Where a walking bus might not be appropriate, grants are also available for schools operating walking incentive schemes such as the Walk on Wednesday scheme currently in operation at Weobley Primary School.

Jane Denny, Extended Schools Co-ordinator for Weobley Schools, said:  “Our Walk on Wednesday scheme has resulted in 80 children walking to school at least once a week.  Even those whose parents have to drive in because of distance have been bowing to child pressure and parking at the Village Hall, then walking the remaining half mile to school.

“We could certainly do with some extra funding to keep the momentum going by rewarding participants with stickers and purchasing a big banner to remind everyone each week that Wednesday is Walk to school day.

“Weobley parents have told us that they are keen to set up a walking bus scheme.  Now that money is available, we shall definitely be pursuing this over the next couple of months.”